Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro Pledges to Strengthen Ties with Israel and Continue Embassy Move to Jerusalem
Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazilian senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, outlined his vision for Brazil and Latin America in a special interview with Israel's Channel 14. As the leading candidate for Brazil's 2026 presidential election, he criticized the current left-wing government and economic crisis, promising a conservative resurgence across the region. Bolsonaro praised the recent election of Argentina's right-wing president Javier Milei as a sign of a broader political shift away from leftist governments, which he blamed for corruption, violence, and economic hardship.
Bolsonaro emphasized his commitment to cutting government spending, reducing bureaucracy, and reforming taxes to attract investment, drawing inspiration from Milei's drastic economic measures. He also prioritized public security, sharply criticizing incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for protecting criminals amid rising violence. Bolsonaro accused Brazil's Supreme Court of engaging in "lawfare" against his father, describing the legal challenges as politically motivated persecution.
Regarding Israel, Bolsonaro expressed deep admiration, calling it a "miracle in the desert" and a strategic and spiritual ally. He condemned Lula's outreach to Middle Eastern countries with terrorist ties, alleging connections between Brazilian criminal groups and Hezbollah and Hamas. Bolsonaro praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a courageous leader and staunch defender against terrorism, stating, "If terrorists lay down their weapons, the war will end. If Israel lays down its weapons, Israel will cease to exist."
Looking ahead to 2027, Bolsonaro pledged to complete the embassy move to Jerusalem initiated by his father and to strengthen Brazil's participation in regional forums aligned with Israel's values, such as the "Isaac Accords." He highlighted Israel's global technological leadership and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation. Bolsonaro concluded by affirming his personal dedication to fostering a close Brazil-Israel relationship based on shared principles and mutual respect.
